After being told he had prostate cancer that had spread to his hip and vertebrae, Terry Grano realised others like him required a place they could access support.
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That was 18 years ago. After Mr Grano returned to Ballarat following his diagnosis, he joined the Ballarat Prostate Cancer Support Group which he has now helped lead for more than 16 years.
Last week that dedication and his support for men battling prostate cancer saw the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia give Mr Grano the Max Gardner Award for Distinguished Service.
“I was diagnosed in Queensland and came home because the prognosis was not very good, and I joined the support group just to be around other blokes with prostate cancer … and I’ve been part of it ever since,” he said.
“Sharing where you are, with somebody else, reduces the emotional burden a bit. Family may understand but they haven’t got prostate cancer.”
Sadly for Mr Grano, a recent scan revealed his prostate cancer has returned.
Part of Mr Grano’s role with the support group is to raise awareness in the community, a job that students from Ballarat Grammar’s Dart boarding house have been helping with since the death of much loved former teacher, house master and director of admissions Rob Olston who died from prostate cancer in 2010.
Rob, nicknamed Edgar, loved to wear colourful ties and socks and each year since his passing the boarders at Dart House have run St Edgar’s Day where students and staff wear a loud and colourful tie and crazy socks in return for a donation toward prostate cancer awareness.
“Rob was one of the stalwarts of the school. His influence on the culture of our house is still significant and it is very very important for us to be able to perpetuate that sense of awareness and support for prostate care,” said Dart House head Graham Hislop.
Mr Grano said the $7000 raised over the years had been used to sponsor tournaments at bowls clubs and golf clubs during or after which he spoke to participants about prostate cancer.
